Seven years ago the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Rochester, NY, was essentially in the tank. Facing a $27.7 million deficit, the inevitable threats of layoffs, service cuts and increased fares cast pallor over the organization like the sulfurous stench from Mordor, just thinking back on Lord of the Rings.

Like Frodo, the onus to set it right once and for all fell to the new CEO, Mark Aesch. His complete telling of his quest unfolds in his recently published book, Driving Excellence. It is every bit as harrowing and uplifting as the Hobbits’ adventure.